Rattling Cornsnake

[Brad Jr.]

I have a baby corn and for some reason is makes a rattling noise. When we go to get her out of her cage she'll cock back as if she is going to strike and if that doesn't work she'll shake her tail quickly back and forth for a few seconds. It's really weird though because when she does this it makes a vibrating sound when she touches something. I was wondering if anybody has ever noticed this before in their corns or heard of it. I know certain snakes imitate rattle snakes by doing the exact same thing. She is obviously using this as a defense but it still seems strange. Not only does her tail vibrate but when she is in her defense mode she emits a strange scent that doesn't smell like urine.

Brad

[pinatamonkey]

The rattling is completely normal. She should pretty much grow out of it with time...but some of mine still occasionally rattle. The smell might be musk? My ghost used to do that when I got him.

[Neil]

Don't worry about the rattling. Your snake will probably calm down when it gets to know that you're not a threat.

[Ken Harbart]

Tail rattling is an interesting behavior common to many snakes. Rattlesnakes, of course, have evolved a few steps further, and make more efficient use of the behavior.

[Kevin M]

The older your corn gets the less frequently it will rattle its tail. I know on Sundays when I feed my hatchlings it gets quite musical in my room. hehe

[punkbetty666]

don't worry I have a 9 year old corn and he still rattles

[whiffin]

Dammit - I wish Suzy wasn't so tame, then he might rattle :D